Municipal Affairs and Environment
April 03, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment:

Minister Joyce Honours Municipal Water Operators

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize drinking water system operators in this province. Last week, I joined over 300 participants for the annual Clean and Safe Drinking Water Workshop in Gander – everyone from operators, municipal representatives and trade show exhibitors, to national experts in the field.

At the workshop, I was pleased to present the Volunteer Operator of the Year Award to Mr. Calvin Warford of Pleasantview for over 35 years of countless volunteer hours.

The Operator of the Year Award was co-awarded to two individuals from Ramea: Mr. Brian Marsden and Mr. John Skinner for their response to storm effects on Ramea’s drinking water in December.

I also awarded certificates of appreciation to the other 19 nominated individuals for their hard work and dedication.

Water and wastewater are a priority for our government, and our department provided $140 million in water and wastewater projects last year in conjunction with the Federal Government. Approximately $209 million will be spent this year, and $580 million over the next three years, on municipal projects, including water and wastewater systems.

In closing, I would like to thank the many system operators that attended the workshop, as they are at the front line for the delivery of water services. I also thank the Water Resources Management Division for organizing this event. It is very important that operators receive the proper training and support, and this workshop is just one of the many initiatives we offer to meet this goal and to ensure drinking water safety and municipal infrastructure sustainability.

Thank you.

2017 04 03                              1:50 p.m.